Advocacy

A Blow to the Future of Tourism on PEI
By Corryn Clemence

The recent decision by Holland College to suspend its three tourism-related programs—Travel, Tourism & Events, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Marketing and Advertising—is a devastating blow to our industry. As someone deeply invested in the future of tourism on Prince Edward Island, I feel both disappointed and concerned by the impact this decision will have—not only on our workforce but on how the industry is perceived overall.

These programs have been a cornerstone in developing the skilled professionals our sector relies on. They are led by passionate, knowledgeable instructors who bring real-world expertise and a deep commitment to their students’ success. What sets these educators apart is not only their dedication in the classroom but their active engagement with the industry itself. They take the time to build relationships with local tourism operators, understand the needs of our evolving sector, and most importantly, connect their students with the real-world opportunities and challenges they’ll face after graduation.

The quality of the education offered both in the classroom and through hands-on, on-the-job training is exceptional. Graduates of these programs have gone on to become leaders, innovators, and dedicated contributors to PEI’s tourism economy. The programs have not only provided technical skills but instilled a genuine understanding of the guest experience, business operations, and what it takes to thrive in this dynamic field.

The root of this unfortunate decision lies in the recent changes to Canadian immigration policy around eligibility for Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs). By narrowing the pathway for international students to stay, work, and build careers here after graduation, we’ve effectively pulled the rug out from under institutions like Holland College and industries like ours that rely heavily on this pipeline of trained talent.

Tourism is more than a summer job. It’s a career path filled with opportunity, creativity, and growth. Yet this suspension sends a message, intended or not, that tourism is not a priority, that it is less deserving of structured, professional education than other sectors. This is both inaccurate and incredibly damaging to our ability to attract the next generation of workers and leaders.

Tourism is a vital driver of Prince Edward Island’s economy. In 2024, the tourism industry generated over $520 million in revenues and contributed $87.9 million in provincial tax revenue. What’s more, when you compare the contribution of tourism to provincial GDP across the country, PEI stands out. Nowhere else in Canada does tourism contribute such a significant share to the overall economy. That’s why blanket federal policy changes like those affecting Post Graduate Work Permit eligibility can have disproportionate impacts on smaller, tourism-dependent provinces like ours. Jurisdictional nuance matters.

This is not just a Holland College issue. This is a PEI issue. It’s a tourism issue. And it’s a workforce development issue.

We need to work together, industry, educators, and all levels of government—to find a way forward. That may include advocating for targeted immigration policy adjustments, providing increased support to institutions delivering high-demand programming, or rethinking how we deliver and promote tourism education altogether. But doing nothing is not an option.

Our tourism industry deserves better. Our students deserve better. And our future workforce deserves to have access to local, specialized training that equips them to thrive in a dynamic, rewarding field.

Let’s not allow this setback to define the trajectory of tourism on PEI. Let it be the wake-up call we need to rally behind our sector, protect its future, and invest in the people who make it extraordinary.